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Find your Sport Nation frequency'Praise the Lord': All Blacks loose forward trio has Smithy singing Razor's praises
Ian Smith • July 14th, 2025 10:29 am
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
It's a pleasing way to come back after time away in the Northern Hemisphere, I must say - dominant performances by the All Blacks, the Black Ferns and the Warriors.
Not to mention, the Black Sox regaining some old glory on the world stage and a female boxer crowned over the weekend as well. Tauranga-born Cherneka Johnson - what a good story that is - now the undisputed women's boxing world champion in Bantamweight.
But I have a question - how Beauden Barrett spent time in the bin for that mild misdemeanour is almost as baffling as how the same player wouldn't have been tackled more than twice in the entire time that he was on the park.
He has mastered the non-contact version of the game with early offloads and a zany kicking game - he could perhaps play forever, he seems ageless does Beauden.
We have some pretty good on-field referees too, by the way, but we have to guess at that because those largely defining big calls, the 50-50s, it seems are forever going to be governed by the insurance policy of the TMO.
No matter the country you call home, it must be hugely frustrating to know that you've been elevated and done well enough as a rugby referee to be named to blow the whistle for a Test, but also knowing in the back of your mind that you're not really in control of the game. Indeed at times, you're powerless.
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After five weeks away from watching the game or even being able to, it didn't take long for me to be reminded of that.
That aside, there are some really good signs going forward for the All Blacks.
22-year-old Fabian Holland and a rejuvenated Patrick Tuipulotu adding to the engine room, which is functioning well.
Tupou Vaa'i at six, Ardie Savea at seven, praise the Lord, and Christian Lio-Willie at eight - they look a good combination with injured players waiting in the wings to come back.
Some new names, some new jersey numbers, it bodes well. If only we knew exactly which France side we were playing and which one we have just beaten.
If you're old enough, and you'd have to be quite old, you'll remember Bastille Day 1979. And that will always remind you that Hamilton this week could paint a totally different picture.
What does Fabien Gaultier see through those crystal balls masquerading as glasses at the end of his nose? We shall wait and see. .
Listen below for Smithy's interview with rugby commentator Grant Nisbett as they review the All Blacks' second Test against France:
